2012 REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY

18th CENTURY ARCHITECTURE. 21st CENTURY TECHNOLOGY.

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Letter to the Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Letter from the Chairman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Infographics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Talent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Spaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Foundation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Membership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

CONTENTS

COVER ART: KIRSTEN MORAN

PHOTOGRAPHY BY: WILL BULLOCKLESLIE BURDENJACOB LINDSEYJOSH SKIDMORE

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In a recent interview, a reporter asked what the Digital Corridor does . I told him our mission is to attract, nurture and promote Charleston’s knowledge economy . In reality, today, we are actually accelerating Charleston’s knowledge economy by leveraging our unique operating structure and brain trust of more than ninety member companies to execute innovative and mutually beneficial initiatives .

In 2012, we stopped long enough to consolidate our activities and create a

blueprint focusing on four key areas to build on the momentum Charleston’s knowledge economy is experiencing—community networking; talent development & attraction; business incubation spaces; and an early-stage capital initiative .

While the success of Charleston’s knowledge economy is almost entirely the domain of the companies and their respective leadership teams, the Digital Corridor is pleased to do its part to support this high-wage industry .

By adhering to a simple operating philosophy of “you focus on growing your business and we will take care of the rest,” the Digital Corridor offers initiatives like the iFive:K, Corridor Bash, Talent Portal, CODEcamp, the Flagships and targeted business incentives . As we charge forward in 2013, we will tighten up our existing initiatives and launch new ones designed to strengthen further Charleston’s knowledge economy .

Ernest Andrade

The general consensus among economists is that 2012 was a period of transition from a fragile economy to one of stability, with modest growth for the year ahead . Contrast this observation with Charleston’s knowledge economy—100% of the companies participating in the Digital Corridor’s 2012 Wage & Job Growth survey reported job expansion and 73% expected to continue hiring .

Additionally, the Flagship incubator facilities continue to have a very positive economic impact on the formation and

growth of high-paying companies– 55 graduates since June 2009 and 26 companies in residence . CODEcamp, a new and innovatively structured initiative to expand and enhance Charleston’s technical community, has positively impacted over 75 students since May .

Years from now, when we look back, we will think of 2012 as the year when the knowledge economy rightfully emerged as an important pillar of Charleston’s economy by proving a worthy complement to the visitor, medical

and aerospace industries, the port and universities .

While we recognize the wonderful growth Charleston’s knowledge economy is experiencing, we must acknowledge the challenges this success brings and seek effective partnerships to ensure the specific needs of knowledge–based businesses are addressed, including capital, talent and technology-purposed office spaces .

Kirk King

Innovation through Execution

Charleston’s Knowledge Economy Strengthens

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INFOGRAPHICS

75

jQuery

PHP

iOS

JavaScript

6Number of CODEcamp Students

Number of CODEcampSubject Areas

New Members in 2012:

Percent of Corridor Companies Reported adding additional office space in 2012

40

43

Ruby on Rails

WebsiteBasics

Percent of those plan to add even more space in 2013

Companies Ranked in 2012 INC 500

Parks with Free Wi-Fi Launched in 2012

213 2

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TALENT

“CODEcamp was one of the greatest learning journeys I have ever taken. The Website Basics course sparked in me a deep passion for web development and was a key reason I was hired as a bona fide eCommerce developer.”

Brian Nations CODEcamp Graduate + Web DevelopersineLABS

CONNECT

Talent PortalThe Digital Corridor has successfully connected knowledge-based companies with qualified, technical talent since the launch of the Talent Portal in 2004 . The portal’s “featured jobs” listing displays career opportunities available at mem-ber companies, while the “talent pool” allows career seekers to post their resumes for companies to review . Today, the Talent Portal receives approximately 8,000 views per month from visitors in all 50 states, and boasts jobs from 25+ com-panies . Look for an even more impactful portal in 2013 .

charlestontechjobs.com

CharlestonWORKS™ Building on the success of the Talent Portal, Charleston-WORKS showcases the magnitude and diversity of the knowledge-based companies in the Charleston region by providing information about over 220 companies and their respective hiring statuses . On average, nearly 40% of these knowledge-based businesses were hiring in Charleston during 2012 .

@CharlestonWORKS

Other Connect Initiatives:University Recruiting OpportunitiesLocal and Regional Educational PartnershipsMember-Focused Networking

www.charlestonworks.com

2012-2013 Workforce Development StrategyAs the growth of Charleston’s knowledge economy accelerates, the development and maintenance of its key resource, talent, becomes increasingly crucial . In 2012, the Digital Corridor implemented a comprehensive, yet simple, workforce development strategy encompassing the following tactical areas:

CONNECT | DEVELOP | SUPPORT

“Finding talented developers is one of the biggest challenges facing Charleston tech companies. The Digital Corridor’s Talent Portal is a valuable asset to the tech community and my go to place for connecting with quality applicants.”Ben Cash Managing Director and CCOBlue Key

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DEVELOP

CODEcamp In April, the Digital Corridor added the component “develop” to its workforce development strategy with the launch of CODEcamp . CODEcamp is an independent learning platform conceived in collaboration with Digital Corridor members to meet the growing demand for specialized instruction in emerging web and mobile software technologies .

Open to anyone of any skill level, CODEcamp’s goal is to train students in high-demand, current and emerging development technologies to expand and enhance Charleston’s technical talent pool .

Courses are taught by experienced professionals from the Digital Corridor’s software community on a quarterly basis .

@chsCODES

Super Happy Dev DayIn addition to courses, the Digital Corridor introduced Super Happy Dev Day under its CODEcamp initiative . This one-day event was designed to enhance the skillsets of Charleston’s software development community . The first Super Happy Dev Day, held in September at the Flagship, featured six sessions on emerging, open-source software technologies such as HTML5 and CSS, JavaScript MV-Star and more . Because of the overwhelming success of this sellout event, look for more Super Happy Dev Days in 2013 .

www.vimeo.com/channels/chscodecamp

Fridays @ the CorridorFridays @ the Corridor is a monthly series of interactive forums designed to inform, educate and network Charleston’s knowledge-based community . Topics are selected based on member feedback and ranged from Capital Investment to Digital Marketing in 2012 .

www.vimeo.com/channels/fridays

Develop and retain a highly educated talent poolRecognizing that a highly skilled workforce is crucial to growing Charleston’s knowledge economy, the Digital Corridor’s role is to provide a linkage between qualified career seekers and knowledge-based employers, while acting as a liaison between educational institutions and the corporate community .

03/13/12Charleston Digital Corridor Announces CODEcampBrendan Kearney, Post and Courier Unveiled Thursday and starting

next month, CODEcamp is an

“augmentative” education program

meant to bridge the gap between

local software firms looking to

hire and residents who need the

practical training to fill those high-

paying positions.

It’s part of a broader workforce

development strategy that expands

the corridor’s role from simply

connecting people with companies.

“Because of the high demand for

technical talent in our community,

for the first time the Digital

Corridor will start moving into

the development of talent,”

said Andrade.

www.chsCODEcamp.com

TALENT

CODEcamp at a Glance: ▪ 75 Students ▪ 6 Subject Areas: Ruby on Rails, jQuery, iOS,

JavaScript, PHP and Website Basics . ▪ 92% Completion Rate

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2012 Wage SurveyOur Annual Wage and Job Growth Surveys consistently demonstrate the Digital Corridor is meeting its objective to raise the per capita wages in Charleston, while creating employment opportunities for South Carolina’s graduates .

Support & drive public and private initiatives

that benefit Digital Corridor companies

The Digital Corridor staff complements regional economic

development efforts by staying abreast of international, state

and local policy initiatives that benefit Digital Corridor companies .

Further, the Digital Corridor initiates and supports favorable policies

that have a positive impact on Charleston’s knowledge economy .

08/28/12Science and Math Students

Take Tech Trek to CharlestonCharleston Digital Corridor Release

On Friday, August 24, 2012, 50 students from the Governor’s School

of Science and Math (GSSM) in Hartsville, SC travelled to Charleston

to visit 6 knowledge-based companies in the Digital Corridor as part of StartUp Day . The local tech

trek included tours and speaking engagements at Blackbaud,

SPARC, PeopleMatter, Blue Acorn, BoomTown and Intrexon .

PAGE 13 SUPPORT – 2012 Wage & Job Growth Survey100% of participating companies reported adding jobs and 73% expect to continue hiring by years’ end .The average wage level by reporting companies is $66,862 or 1 .73 and 1 .64 times State and Regional (Charleston-North Charleston-Summerville MSA) aver-age per-capita wages, respectively .

Sources: (Use same format as last year)SC: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, South Carolina, An-nual Mean Wage Estimate (May 2011)CMSA: US Bureau of Statistics, Charleston-North Charleston-Summerville, SC National Compensation Survey 2011, Annual Mean Earnings Estimates (May 2011)

SUPPORT

Early–Stage Talent DevelopmentHigh-quality, technical talent is critical to accelerating the growth of Charleston’s knowledge economy and realizing our goal in becoming Silicon Harbor . The Digital Corridor provides financial assistance and hands-on, real world exposure to support early-stage talent development at local institutions to build the future talent pipeline .

As a proponent of encouraging women to pursue careers in science and mathematics, the Digital Corridor teamed up with several member companies to provide funding for the Women In Charge program at Moultrie Middle School, a course designed to educate and encourage young women to pursue a career in math, science or business, for the second year in a row . As part of the program, the students attended a field trip at Digital Corridor members SPARC and Environmental Express to meet and interact with women in technology-based positions .

In partnership with the Governor’s School of Science and Math, the Digital Corridor guided 50 students along a “tech trek” from Hartsville, SC to Charleston as part of Startup Day . These students were introduced to 6 knowledge-based businesses while taking facility tours and listening to speaking engagements from Digital Corridor member company CEO’s .

Other Support Initiatives:Technical User Group SupportMedia & Public Relations

■ The average annual wage for companies participating in the 2012 survey was $66,862—1 .7 times the state average of $38,560 and 1 .6 times the Charleston Regional average of $40,850 .

■ Knowledge-based jobs comprise a growing portion of Charleston’s economy . Corridor companies posted the ultimate statistic in employee growth with 100% of participating companies adding jobs in 2012 and 73% expecting to continue hiring by year’s end .

■ 86% of participating companies reported double-digit job growth with 43% having grown at least 50% in 2012 .

■ At the time of the survey, 25% of current Flagship residents and 75% of FS2 residents added jobs in 2012 .

SOURCES: SC: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, South Carolina, Annual Mean Wage Estimate (May 2011)CMSA: US Bureau of Statistics, Charleston-North Charleston-Summerville, SC National Compensation Survey 2011, Annual Mean Earnings Estimates (May 2011)

South Carolina Charleston Region Digital Corridor

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SPACES

Provide ongoing business assistanceThe Digital Corridor paves the way for companies, ranging from early-stage startups to mature enterprises, wishing to commence operations or locate to Charleston . Assistance includes access to talent, networking, temporary office space, capital and financial incentives, site acquisition and an introduction to qualified professionals .

1/10/11Good Done Great Opens Office in Charleston, SCGood Done Great ReleaseThe new office at the Flagship,

Charleston’s premier business

incubator/co-working office, gives

Good Done Great access to the

Digital Corridor’s network of like-

minded professionals, high-quality,

adaptable and cost-efficient

office space and conference

facilities. “It is important to us

to establish our presence in a

professional environment that can

accommodate our growth. The

Flagship provides opportunities

to expand into other office spaces

without having to physically move

the company,” says Earl Bridges.

www.charlestonflagship.com

FLAGSHIPThe Flagship, dedicated June 2009, facilitates the development of Charleston’s knowledge economy by providing a unique urban office environment, necessary resources, mentoring and a community of like-minded professionals crucial for success . The Flagship also serves as the venue for the Corridor’s education and networking events such as the Fridays @ the Corridor, the Flagship Gallery and Food Truck Thursdays, as well as providing meeting space for local and visiting professionals .

With flexible, monthly leases and fully furnished offices, demand for high-quality, tech-focused space like the Flagship continues to rise .

The Flagship has successfully graduated 40 companies since opening in 2009; 21 of which graduated in 2012 alone .

While our graduates have moved on to larger, more permanent office facilities, they are still a part of the Charleston Digital Corridor, the organization dedicated to attracting, nurturing and promoting their continued growth . Together, with the 9 current residents, Flagship companies have created over 175 jobs in Charleston; raised over $43 million dollars in public and private capital; and infused over $10 million in payroll in the local community . THE FLAGSHIP at a Glance:

▪ $10+ Million in Local Payroll ▪ 175+ Jobs Created in Charleston ▪ $43 Million in Capital Raised (public + private) ▪ 9 Resident Companies + 21 Graduates in 2012 ▪ 40 Graduates since opening in 2009

FACILITy SERVICES ▪ Touchdown Spaces for use by Corridor Members

and Co-Working Professionals ▪ 2 Conference Rooms for Off-Site Meetings ▪ Ideal Company Size: 1-3 Employees ▪ Maximum Lease Term: 1 Year

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SPACES

Flagship2The Flagship2 (FS2), dedicated June 2011, is an expansion of the Digital Corridor’s highly successful Flagship, downtown Charleston’s premier co-working/incubation business environment . This facility, designed exclusively for use by intermediate-stage, knowledge-based companies, shares the modern sensibilities of the Flagship . Adjacent to one another, these two “smart” buildings collectively form a campus representing Charleston’s emerging “Connected Economy .”

FS2 complements the Flagship’s accommodations with a variety of office configurations ranging from 300 to 1,500 square feet with flexible, monthly leases . This allows companies to rapidly expand within the Flagship campus while continuing to focus on their business . 80% of current FS2 residents have have expanded into their current office from a smaller one within the Flagship facilities, with a couple having expanded several times .

FS2 residents are a mix of entrepreneurs in diverse disciplines including software, engineering, sustainability, electronic communication and advertising and internet technologies .

THE FLAGSHIP2 at a Glance: ▪ 5 Companies Moved from Flagship to

FS2 in 2012 ▪ 75% of Residents added jobs in 2012 ▪ 60+ Jobs Created in Charleston ▪ 13 Resident Companies + 14 Graduates

FACILITy SERVICES ▪ Touchdown Spaces for use by Digital Corridor Members

and visiting Co-Working Professionals ▪ Indoor Bike Storage + Showers + Lounge ▪ Ideal Company Size: 3-15 Employees ▪ Maximum Lease Term: 2 Years

Market the Charleston Digital

Corridor as a compelling, infrastructure-rich

place to live and workThe Digital Corridor’s

marketing effort is tailored to reinforce Charleston’s reputation

as the premier destination for knowledge-based companies . Charleston’s unique blend of

historic buildings, southern culture, pristine beaches and corporate infrastructure offers the optimal living and working environment .

#2 Downtown in the U.S.

by Livability.com

#4 Best Place to Look for a Job

by Forbes

#1 Best city in the U.S. and in the world

by Conde Naste Traveler

One of the 100 Best Communities

for young People by America’s Promise Alliance.

www.charlestonflagship2.com

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COMMUNITY

Attract, nurture and promote Charleston’s knowledge economy

The Charleston Digital Corridor combines targeted initiatives

and business assistance, while leveraging the area’s superior

livability, to appeal to knowledge-based businesses . Once a company

has located to Charleston, the Digital Corridor draws on private

and public resources to assist them in cultivating their business .

07/26/12Bags Fly at the First Annual

Corridor ClassicCharleston Digital Corridor Release

The inaugural Corridor Classic

cornhole tournament and cookout,

held at FS2, successfully raised

funds for local nonprofit Teachers’

Supply Closet. Created as a

complement to the annual iFive:K

run/walk/shuffle, the Corridor

Classic provides yet another venue

for Digital Corridor companies

to network and enjoy

friendly competition.

Corridor ClassicBags and burgers . The Digital Corridor introduced the Corridor Classic, a summer cookout and cornhole tournament held at FS2, as the perfect complement to its fall and spring networking events . A members-only event, the Corridor Classic drew approximately 100 employees from 23 member companies and benefitted the Teacher’s Supply Closet .

BASHHeld each fall, the annual Corridor Bash has become the premier networking event for Charleston’s knowledge economy . Local oysters, BBQ and classical guitar made an enjoyable evening of introductions, camaraderie and relaxed networking with the Charleston Harbor serving as the backdrop for the 9th Annual Corridor Bash .

iFive:KThe iFive:K is an annual event that brings together Charleston’s knowledge-based business community for an evening of spirited competition and networking . Growing from 250 participants in 2007 to a sellout of 800 in 2012, the iFive:K offers the perfect opportunity for members and the community to “actively” network . Proceeds from the iFive:K are used to support educational and entrepreneurship programming including Women In Charge and CODEcamp scholarships .

@ifivek

www.vimeo.com/channels/ifivek

www.ifivek.com

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Art GalleryThe Flagship Gallery extends the natural connection between the arts and technology community by leveraging the Digital Corridor’s co-working facility to support Charleston’s up-and-coming contemporary artists by providing an additional venue to display their work . Charleston’s technologists and creatives converge for an evening of art and networking at quarterly artist receptions .

COMMUNITY

Engage relevant resources whose goals and objectives align with the mission of the Charleston Digital CorridorThe Digital Corridor’s support of Charleston’s knowledge economy is facilitated through the many contacts and relationships nurtured by Corridor staff, collaborating partners and the City of Charleston .

02/29/12Google Unveils Wi-Fi in Marion SquareLauren Ratcliffe, Charleston Regional Business JournalWireless access in the park is the

result of a partnership between

the City of Charleston, Google and

the Charleston Digital Corridor.

Funding for the venture came

from a Google grant covering the

capital costs and maintenance of

the network for three years. The

Charleston Digital Corridor owns

and will operate the Wi-Fi network.

Food Truck ThursdaysIt’s not just about office space . Twice a month, the Digital Corridor encourages residents and members to connect over Charleston’s newest vehicle of delicious cuisine–food trucks .

Wi-FiThe Digital Corridor, through partnerships with its member companies Google and Home Telecom, extended Wi-Fi to the business community and public at large by launching the Charleston Free Wi-Fi network in downtown’s Marion Square Park and Governor’s Park on Daniel Island . The Wi-Fi network enables business transactions at Charleston’s world-class festivals and farmer’s market, while helping visitors stay connected to information and their social network .

charlestonflagship.com/gallery

Xiao XinLu Tina Hirsig Kirsten Moran Kathryn Dale Barton

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The Charleston Digital Corridor Foundation (CDCF) is a 501 (c) 6 nonprofit corporation. It supports the development of the Charleston Digital Corridor through an expanded array of programming and networks. The Foundation is governed by a distinguished seven-member Board of Directors.

The CDCF enables the Digital Corridor to:• Expand programming to benefit Charleston’s growing knowledge-based community,• Develop membership and sponsorship programs making the Digital Corridor self-sufficient, and• Provide services to knowledge-based companies regardless of their physical location .

2012 Charleston Digital Corridor Foundation Board of Directors

Kevin EichelbergerFounder and CEOBlue AcornBoard Member

Kirk KingFounding President and CEOCSS, Inc.Chairman

Eric WagesSite Operations ManagerGoogle Data CenterBoard Member

Grier AllenPresidentBoomTownBoard Member

Jonathan ButlerCo-FounderAutomated Trading DeskSecretary/Treasurer

Nate DaPorePresident and CEOPeopleMatterBoard Member

The Honorable Joseph P. Riley, Jr.MayorCity of CharlestonBoard Member

THE FOUNDATION

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CORRIDOR MEMBERS

2nd Floor Co.

Advantage Media

Agile Estimator

Alloneword Design

AudiaHealth

Avista Solutions

Belimed

Benefitfocus

BiblioLabs

Blackbaud

Blue Acorn

BlueKey

BoomTown

Brain Power Software

Broad Street Interactive

Cantey Technology

CarePoint

ClapBOOM

Coffee Kind

Comcast Business Class

Complete EDI Solutions

Computer Directions

Crunchy Data Solutions

CSS International

Cyber Solutions International

Distil Union

eatabit.com

eGroup

eLifespaces

Environmental Express

Equiscript

excelleRx

FirstString Research

Flashpoint Charleston

Glenn Corporation

Good Done Great

Google

Green Lighting Group

GreenBy3

Greenspon Advertising

Hannah Solar Government Services

Helium

Home Telecom

Knology

iCache

Idea Team

Immedion

InfoArch

Innocutis

Integral Solutions Group

Jack Russell Software

LayerVault

LEARN to Win

Life Cycle Engineering

mediafeedia

Mediasation

Modern Tech

Modus21

Omatic Software

OPTIZMO Technologies

PeopleMatter

PhishLabs

Qintuit

RadBay

Radiate Technologies

RapidDispatch

Relocality

SCL Services

SeedProd

SentinelWorks

Serendipite Studios

sineLABS

Slant Media

Software Projects Consulting

SPARC

Studio Nudge

TalkTools

Telogical Systems

The Modern Connection

Think New

TorqueDB

Twitpic

Tresys Technology

Wave Sciences Corp

Web Tracking Services

Whole Building Systems

Wink Creative Studio

Wonderlic

yB Spot

yOUSA

475-A East Bay Street, Charleston, SC 29403, USA843.724.3773 www.charlestondigitalcorridor.com